Queensland health laws targeting illegal tobacco and vaping products have netted almost five million illicit cigarettes since their introduction last year.
Greater enforcement powers for health authorities have also resulted in the seizure of more than 42,000 vapes and 2.1 tonnes of loose tobacco.
Health Minister Shannon Fentiman says the more than $6.6 million worth of contraband is in addition to the results of multi-agency operations, also involving her department.
Separately, Queensland Police and other agencies have confiscated over 10 million illicit cigarettes, 106,000 vapes and four tonnes of loose tobacco worth more than $20.3 million over the past 12 months.
“The … decision to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to illicit tobacco is paying off,” Ms Fentiman said on Sunday.
“Often those behind the importation and sales of these products are part of well-organised criminal gangs and only with a combined effort between state and federal authorities will we continue to make a difference.”
Health authorities issued almost 500 infringement notices to retailers supplying illicit products since changes to smoking laws compared to 174 issued between 2019 and 2022.
The results coincide with Queensland Health seizing more than 1670 bongs and 375 pipes in 2023-24.
Passed in May 2023, stronger tobacco laws granted Queensland Health enhanced powers to target and fine retailers possessing or supplying illicit tobacco.
The state government adopted 14 recommendations in October following a parliamentary inquiry into vaping.
Source Agencies
